HomeMy Public PortalAbout01-23-2015 Special Meeting with Congressman Hultgren Minutes
Minutes of the Special Meeting of the President and the Village Board and Congressman Randy Hultgren Held on January 23, 2015 In the Boardroom
Mayor Collins called the meeting to order at 11:12 a.m. Present were: Congressman Randy Hultgren, Mayor Collins, Trustee Bonuchi, Trustee Fay, Trustee Lamb, and Trustee Peck. Village
Board absent: Trustee Racich. Others present: Brian Murphy, Village Administrator; Allen Persons,
Public Works Director; Anthony Novak, Police Commander. There were approximately 20 persons
in the audience. PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS Mayor Collins welcomed Congressman Hultgren.
TRUSTEE COMMENTS Trustee Fay welcomed Congressman Hultgren.
Trustee Bonuchi welcomed Congressman Hultgren.
Trustee Peck welcomed Congressman Hultgren. WORKSHOP #1 MISCELLANEOUS DISCUSSION
Congressman Hultgren introduced himself and asked several members of his staff to introduce
themselves and their position. Congressman Hultgren stated that he wants to help local governments with their goals. Communication is key to finding ways to get good projects done that will have regional impact and benefit and encouraged the local jurisdictions to communicate those projects.
Brian Murphy, Administrator, informed the Congressman of some of the local projects including the
expansion of Coil Plus and Diageo. Administrator Murphy also pointed out that there are still some ongoing issues with Canadian National.
Mr. John Grueling, Will County CED, gave an update regarding Will County. Mr. Grueling
highlighted 54 major projects creating over 5,000 jobs to the region and investing over $700 million;
expressed concern regarding skilled workers and the need to provide training; expressed the importance of infrastructure investment and encouraged Federal Government to pass a multi-year transportation funding bill with a significant freight component; supported a federal gas tax; and
stated that the Will County CED is interested in learning more about federal programs.
Mr. Allen Persons, Public Works Director, gave an update regarding transportation including the 143rd Street extension. Congressman Hultgren stated that pointing out that life safety challenges are
an important part of a presentation and thought that they apply as well.
Trustee Fay pointed out that public/commuter transportation not only to the City of Chicago, but to
the surrounding suburbs is important as well. Administrator Murphy pointed out that the Village hosts two PACE bus routes and they have expressed that their biggest challenge is the rail lines.
Village of Plainfield
Special Meeting Minutes with Congressman Hultgren – January 23, 2015
Page 2 They never know when the trains will be in their way and that impacts their commute times and their
responsibilities to their riders. Mayor Collins commented about the trains blocking the intersections.
Several representatives from Will County Executive Offices addressed the Congressman. Mr. Bruce Gould, Will County Engineer, reviewed transportation projects including the Build Will Programs,
the 95th Street extension, I-55/Weber Road Project, and the Illiana Expressway. Ms. Pat Fera, Will
County Workforce Investment Board, reviewed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Ms.
Fera pointed out that the unemployment rate has dropped from 8.2% from November 2013 to 5.5% in
November 2014. Mr. Nick Palmer, Will County Executive Chief of Staff, reviewed some county projects including the Prairie View Landfill which was extended for 15 years, Abraham Lincoln
National Cemetery, and Heroin education and prevention, and regional economic development.
Trustee Bonuchi expressed concern regarding transportation. Trustee Lamb pointed out that the 143rd
Street project is very important to the region, not just Plainfield. Administrator Murphy thanked the Congressman for his commitment to the community.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ms. Katherine McGuire, Congressman Hultgen’s Chief of Staff, asked for input regarding the
Alliance for Regional Development. Mr. Grueling, Will County CED, commented on the Alliance.
Mrs. Vicky Polito, resident, stated that she is a little less prone to be thankful for the Congressman’s
time as this is a big part of his job and probably the most important. As far as a take away, Mrs.
Polito asked that the Congress not be a runner up for the most do nothing Congress again. Please
find ways to do things for people.
Mr. John Mast, resident, expressed concern regarding stopped trains blocking the roadways and feels
that it is a detriment to home values as well.
Mr. Ed O’Rourke, resident, asked if there are options to help with Village with the trains issues. Congressman Hultgren stated that there are some things that can be done. We need to find solutions
and to work with Canadian National and get them to listen. There are also some options with
alternate routes.
Administrator Murphy thanked the Congressman for his time. Congressman Hultgren thanked everyone for being there, their suggestions, and encouraged people to contact his office.
Trustee Fay moved to adjourn. Seconded by Trustee Peck. Voice Vote. All in favor, 0 Opposed.
The meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.
Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk